Faith Matters: March 25, 2009

A common interpretation of the story of the thief on the cross is that the thief was asking for salvation.

However, a closer examination of Luke 23:39-43 reveals that he was saved like everyone else - by faith alone in Christ alone - His request was prompted by what he believed about Jesus.

The thief believed Jesus was the Messiah. And he was saying, "Jesus, remember me when you come into Your kingdom!" The thief believed that, as the Messiah, Jesus would reign as king in His future kingdom (verse 42).

The thief believed Jesus was innocent. He said, "This man has done nothing wrong" (verse 41). The first thief wanted Jesus to come down from the cross and save Himself along with the thieves, but the second thief said nothing about stopping the process. Why? He looked beyond the cross and saw something that was hidden from the first thief. He believed Jesus was dying for our sins as foretold in the scriptures (Isaiah 53; 1 Corinthians 15:3).

The thief believed Jesus would come back to life to rule over Israel and the entire world.

The thief believed in Jesus' power and willingness to reward those who stand up for Him, even if only on their death beds. Thus he asked Jesus to remember him.

In no uncertain terms, the dying thief believed the gospel. He believed that Jesus was the Messiah, that He was dying for sinners, and that He would rise again. As such, his prayer was simply an expression of his saving faith.